The Living History Park

General George Washington

John Koopman III has portrayed General George Washington since 2006. He has appeared at national parks and historic sites along the East Coast. He has also appeared in numerous documentaries.

“My impression is unique in that I own the most authentic reproduction made to date of the uniform worn by the General. My uniform, horse tack and other accoutrements were made by the same artisans who produced the new exhibit at the Mount Vernon Museum. “Contrary to popular belief, during the Revolution Washington did not look like the senior statesman we see on the dollar bill. He was in his 40’s and in his prime during the Revolution. So it is also in the interest of historical accuracy to portray the General as he truly appeared at that time.”

Learn more at http://johnkoopmaniii.com/index.html

Benjamin Franklin

Charles Molenda has been involved in reenactments for approximately 30 years. He portrays Benjamin Franklin in the first person, from the first step at a site, until he leaves. Learn more at http://bfranklin.net/index.html

Faire Wynds

Faire Wynds Historical Entertainment began in 1994 as an experiment into folk-music and history. Since then, it has become one of the only true “family” acts, consisting of Dad, Mom, Son and Daughter. Based upon research of the traveling troupes of early America, they have created Faire Wynds Players.

Music is an important part of life. Whether sitting under a tree with a cittern and singing the ancient ballads of Ravencroft, playing Barber’s Adagio on glass harps in a concert hall, or doodling out a Revolutionary War tune on the English Flutes at a food-vendor’s booth, they constantly strive to bring America’ s treasury of music to life.

You can find out more about them at their website: www.fairewynds.com

M. LeFarceur de Villeverte

The Arrogant Frenchman M. LeFarceur de Villeverte, Marchand de Dentelle, respectfully informs the Cultured Members of the Publick attending the Faire that he offers for their Pleasure, in suitably appointed surroundings, the most fashionable of Lace Adornements of the highest Quality which will, in his humble Opinion, draw the admiring and envious Glances of their Peers. For the Unwashed Multitudes in attendance he will impart the Secrets of Lacemaking and will thereby, in his magnanimous Grace, assure them of a regular Means to Stave off Hunger and to avoid inclusion in the Ranks of common Beggars and Paupers. He offers to purchase Children of reasonable Intelligence, Industry, and Manners, whose livelihood is a burden to their Parents, for the purpose of learning the Skill of Lacemaking, and, moreover, he graciously does, for a suitable Fee, accept Children of a more unruly Nature who are much less inclined to Industry for the same purpose. Find out more about the lacemaker at his website: www.arrogantfrenchman.com

Pumpkintown Primitives

Pumpkintown Primitives David, Renee & James Gillespie will be here to demonstrate tombstone carving.

David carves slate tombstones, which are comparable to granite but with better detail and more character. These monuments can last 400 years or more.

He carves each stone completely by hand. No computers, stencils or templates are used. Each letter and design element is hand drawn the same way it was in the Colonial Days.

He was sent by a South Carolina Arts Commission Grant to Providence, Rhode Island to learn the Old Craft of Tombstone Lettering/ His work includes the Secret Garden Stone on the Reedy River Childrens Garden near the Falls Park in the Historic West End, Greenville, S.C.
Also look soon for the Grave of the Unknown Confederate Soldier on Secession Hill in Abbeville, S.C.
"Up until about a hundred years ago stones were cut by hand witha chisel and mallet. By God's grace I am endevouring to bring back slate stones to our church yards.
Let me carve a stone for you that will make a bold statement and last many generations!"

Find out more about Pumpkintown Primitives at the website:
www.pumpkintownprimitives.com

Lt. Colonel Thomas Brown

Historical reenactor Charles Hudson portrays Lt. Col. Brown, the commander of the occupation forces in the Augusta area. Learn about Brown, his confrontation with Augusta’s Sons of Liberty, and some of the reasons many American colonists chose to remain loyal to England.

The Slave Luke

Portrayed by Bruce Allen Ingram, Luke is the son of the slave Kessie (portrayed by Kitty Wilson-Evans). Luke ran away but returned “to be a man” and help his mother. Bruce also gives talks to school students to stress the importance of getting an education—something slave children were never allowed.

We as a society are connected to history Not just in formal written passage, but through the more personal acts of storytelling. Storytelling is a unique way in which history is revealed to us, in a unscripted format. The story is told again and again, and delivered from one generation to next with sacred regards. The stories does not become diluted over time, rather richer, as previous characters are weaved into the history of this narrative. It is in this legacy passed down by his great- grandpa Steve who was a slaved that lived to be 114 years old which demonstrates Bruce Ingram's passion for storytelling. They tell a story told many moons ago before, adding to history’s accounts records worth preserving.

Ken Bloom

Ken Bloom An accomplished musician, Ken also participates in 18th century Living History events, providing period music on period instruments, as well as acting as Sergeant for the Royal Highland Emigrants, 84th Foote. Find out more at:
www.boweddulcimer.com/about.htm

Rats! We almost forgot to announce a Surprise Guest! Come to the event and find out who the mystery guest is.